Crossword Genius

Where, on a vessel, quietly to use oars? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prow

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'where on a vessel' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'quietly to use oars?' is the wordplay.
'quietly' becomes 'p' (p for piano and quiet).
'to use oars?' becomes 'row' (I've seen this in another clue).
'p'+'row'='PROW'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prow that I've seen before include "Bow of a vessel" , "bows" , "position of figurehead" , "Projecting front part of ship" , "Ship's front part" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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